RDF rebrands ‘Army Week’ as ‘RDF Citizen Outreach Programme’

Ahead of the 24th Liberation Day Celebration scheduled on 04 July 2018, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) leadership has decided to shift from the previous name “Army Week” to a new and more appropriate “RDF Citizen Outreach Programme” in order to better illustrate the intended impact of socio-economic activities to be conducted countrywide.

The ‘RDF Citizen Outreach Programme’ 2018, in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government (MINALOC), Ministry of Education (MINEDUC), Ministry of Health (MOH), Ministry of Agriculture (MINAGRI) and Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), will cover the period from 20 April to 30 July 2018.

In this period, this new programme will provide free medical services to an estimated 113,000 patients, construct 1,961 houses, 121 classrooms and 108 school pit latrines for the vulnerable in areas selected, improve health and sanitation while conducting agricultural activities on 4,511 Hectares of land.

“Historically, Army Week has developed in scope, duration and impact to the well-being of Rwandans. All these activities are aimed at supporting National Programs in addressing human security issues affecting the Rwandan population”, said Lieutenant Colonel Innocent Munyengango, RDF’s Defence and Military Spokesperson.

One of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) missions as provided in article 10 of the law determining the force’s mission, organization and powers; is to participate in humanitarian activities in case of disasters and to contribute to the development of the country.

“The RDF requests every Rwandan’s participation in support of this noble cause that contributes enormously in improving the welfare and well-being of our population; a pre-requisite for a transformed, strong and sustainably secure Rwanda”, added Lieutenant Colonel Munyengango.

In his speech to RDF Officers in 2015 at RDF headquarters the Commander in Chief, President Paul Kagame emphasized that the role of RDF will be meaningless if it does not ensure human security.

Back in 2009, it was agreed that these activities be planned and executed as an annual programme dubbed “Army Week” which to date has made tremendous achievements in improving the well-being of Rwandans.